Busch Gardens Sesame Street Safari Of Fun

So you’re wandering through Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, still slightly stunned by a real giraffe, when a giant Elmo appears in safari gear. That’s not heatstroke. That’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a kid-sized pocket of chaos tucked inside the bigger park.

It’s colorful, loud in the best way, and included with regular Busch Gardens admission. Yes, included. No secret upcharge, no golden ticket, no selling your firstborn for a pony ride.

What Exactly Is This Place?

Sesame Street Safari of Fun opened in 2010 and replaced the old Land of the Dragons area. It mixes African savanna vibes with furry monsters who definitely don’t belong on a real safari. Somehow, it works.

You’ll find rides, play zones, character meet-and-greets, and splashy water fun. The attractions are built for little kids, but grown-ups can usually ride along. Think of it as a starter theme park inside a full theme park.

The whole area is designed so kids can burn energy while parents recharge. Benches are plentiful, shade is precious, and strollers gather like wildebeest at a watering hole. It’s practical, silly, and surprisingly well planned.

Rides That Won’t Make You Regret Your Life Choices

Air Grover is the headliner: a junior coaster that gives kids their first taste of real speed. It won’t flip your stomach like SheiKra, but to a five-year-old, it’s basically space travel.

Elmo’s Safari Go-Round spins kids around with Elmo and friends. Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away lets them soar in swings, which is adorable until you realize you now have to keep track of a flying toddler.

There’s also a water play area, because Florida heat is undefeated. Bring a towel or embrace the damp. Your choice.

Height rules vary by ride, so check before promising anything. Some rides allow kids to ride alone if they meet the height. Others require a grown-up buddy, which is your excuse to act like a kid again.

Characters, But Make It Safari

Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and Big Bird roam around in safari-inspired outfits. It’s adorable and a little absurd, like they’re about to lead a jeep tour and then eat the jeep.

Busch Gardens Sesame Street

Meet-and-greets happen throughout the day. Lines can get long, so go early or aim for quieter windows. Hugs are encouraged; spontaneous singing of “C is for Cookie” is optional but likely.

Surprising fact: this is not Sesame Place. Sesame Place is a separate park in Pennsylvania and California. This is the Sesame Street area inside Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Shows and Little Surprises

Live entertainment pops up around the area, often with singing, dancing, and enough energy to power a small city. Check the park map or app for showtimes, because they change. Sometimes you get a mini parade; sometimes you get a monster doing the chicken dance.

Some characters wander instead of standing in one spot. That means your kid might high-five Elmo while you’re busy looking for your sunglasses. The safari decor makes the area feel like a storybook version of Africa, with fewer mosquitoes and more fuzzy monsters.

Food, Bathrooms, and Parent Survival Tips

Kid-friendly snacks and meals are nearby, plus bathrooms that you’ll locate faster than you ever thought possible. Stroller parking is a competitive sport. Stay calm and mark your territory mentally.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a change of clothes if your kid hits the splash pad. The Florida sun does not care about your SPF ambitions or your vacation photos.

Go early for shorter lines, or late afternoon when the toddler meltdown window has passed. Nap schedules are the real roller coasters here. Respect them.

Why It Works

The area blends Busch Gardens’ safari theme with Sesame Street’s gentle chaos. It’s not trying to be a thrill park. It’s trying to be a kid’s first theme park memory.

Halloween FUN at Busch Gardens and Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids

Parents get a break from the big coasters, kids get a taste of independence, and everyone gets a photo with a furry monster. That’s a solid trade.

Plus, real animals are nearby, so your kid can learn about lions and then hug a giant bird. Nature is weird and wonderful, and so is childhood.

A Few Things People Get Wrong

It’s not a full separate park, so don’t plan it as an entire day unless your child has infinite batteries. Pair it with the rest of Busch Gardens for a balanced visit.

It’s not just for toddlers, either. Older kids can enjoy Air Grover and the play structures. Adults can enjoy sitting down for five consecutive minutes.

And it’s not skippable just because you don’t have kids. If you like whimsy, people-watching, and mild existential joy, it’s worth a stroll.

The Bottom Line

Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a clever little corner of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It’s silly, colorful, and surprisingly practical for families.

You go for the kids, but you’ll probably leave humming the theme song. That’s the sneaky genius of Sesame Street.

So pack sunscreen, lower your nap expectations, and let Elmo lead the safari. Just don’t blame me when your child asks for a pet giraffe.